The Virtual Business Show
Australia's first and longest continually running podcast for the Virtual Assistant Industry (est 2010) covering topics of interest to VAs, small business owners and the self-employed. We also provide information and interview guests on all things small business. The show is hosted by veteran VA Lyn Prowse-Bishop, owner of Executive Stress Office Support, established Feb 2000. Theme music: 'The Typewriter' by Leroy Anderson. Used with express permission. Become a subscriber for exclusive content: Subscribe
Episodes
In this episode, I’m sharing what’s been driving me mad about Facebook—especially as a business owner.
What started as a space for genuine connection has become a chaotic mess of bots 🤖, trolls, censorship, shadow banning, and algorithmic manipulation.
I talk about my own experiences with disappearing posts, unexplained bans, and the rise of “Meta Verified” as the new gatekeeper to reach and visibility. 📉
Is Facebook s...
For years, businesses have enjoyed the bottom-line benefits of cheap offshore freelancers — but a game-changing Fair Work Commission ruling just flipped the script.
In this episode, I break down what really happened when an offshore Filipino freelancer was deemed entitled to workplace protections from an Australian business they were contracted to — and why it could spell the end of dodgy “$5 an hour VA” deals.
We talk:
👉 The differe...
Corporate Responsibility, Minus the Jargon 🌱💼
What does corporate responsibility really mean for us — the everyday business owners, solopreneurs, and service providers just trying to do the right thing?
No buzzwords, no big budgets, just real talk on how we can give back 🌏✨
Whether it's planting trees, supporting your local footy club, or choosing greener power — it all adds up.
Here are some simple ways we can...
Are you a new Virtual Assistant—or any business owner—struggling to attract the right clients? In this episode of The Virtual Business Show, I reveal one of the most powerful strategies for success: niching down.
Trying to be everything to everyone is a recipe for wasted time, energy, and money. Instead, defining your niche and ideal client helps you stand out as an expert, focus your marketing, and attract the clients who truly nee...
Networking isn’t just about connections—it’s a treasure trove of knowledge! From specialised training sessions to insightful webinars, networks offer invaluable resources to expand your skills and stay ahead in your field. 📚💼
Join me as we discuss the power of networking for virtual assistants and business owners alike. 🤝 Whether you’re looking to boost your business credibility, generate valuable leads, or explore unconventional...
This episode of the Virtual Business Show looks at the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on content creation and business. It focuses specifically on large language models like ChatGPT. We don't look at the use of AI like robotics in business. We explore the potential benefits of LL AI, including increased efficiency and content generation for niche topics. However, we also look at the potential pitfalls, such as:
- D...
The Power of Trust: Debating Seth Godin's Insights on Revenue and Caring 💬💼
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion as we dissect a quote by Seth Godin that sparked debate in the online world: "If you take a lot of time to ask, 'how will this pay off,' you're probably asking the wrong question. When you are trusted because you care, it's quite likely the revenue will take care of itself." 💭💰
...
Personality Differences: Entrepreneurs vs. Employees 🧠💼
Join us as we look at groundbreaking research revealing personality differences between employees and entrepreneurs, and explore the importance of understanding these differences. 🌟
🔍 In this episode, we dissect the findings of scientific studies that shed light on the unique traits and characteristics that distinguish entrepreneurs from traditional employees. 📊🔬
Embra...
Pioneering Virtual Collaboration: A Journey Through Time 🕰️💼
Step into the dynamic world of virtual collaboration where location is no barrier and innovation knows no bounds! 🌐💡
In this episode, we embark on a journey into the past to explore the evolution of virtual assistance, from transcribing documents to conducting internet research. 📑🖥️
Join us as we uncover the pioneering spirit of early virtual collaborators, navigatin...
🎧 Improve Efficiency: The Power of Professional VAs vs. Upwork Freelancers and Temps 💼
🚀Ready to elevate your efficiency game? Discover why professional VAs could be the ultimate game changer for your business compared to freelancers on Upwork or temporary workers. 💡💻
In this episode, we explore the myriad benefits that virtual assistants bring to business owners, from specialised skills and reliability to flexibility and cost-...
What is the secret to effective collaboration with Virtual Assistants? 🤝 This eposide of The Virtual Business Show podcast looks at the distinction between an employee and a VA, highlighting the key traits that make VAs independent professionals. Are you inadvertently classifying your VA as an employee? Get it wrong and you could be in big trouble!🌟 Tune in now! 🎧
Don't miss exclusive subscriber only content. ...
Planned obsolescence is the elephant in the room 🐘, and silent contributor to our throwaway culture. Tech giants design products with a limited lifespan, fuelling our throwaway culture in the relentless pursuit of 'upgrading’.🌏 Did you know Aussies are some of the largest consumers of tech in the world, buying nearly 5 million computers each year? Join the fight against electronic waste by exploring eco-friendly ways to dispo...
I'm sure we've all received newsletters in our email we can't remember subscribing to or we tried UNsubscribing to no avail. 📧 This episode covers the Australian Spam Act and Privacy Principles: what you need to know to comply; and touches on the GDPR. You can face serious penalties for failure to comply so it's important you are across your obligations. As the Act only applies to commercial messages, political pa...
With interest rates on the rise, unemployment looming, and recession whispers growing louder, is your business prepared to weather the storm? Fear not, because we've got a game-changing solution: enter the virtual assistant! 🌟 Whether you're a startup, a small business, or a seasoned entrepreneur, a virtual assistant could be your secret weapon for survival and success. Picture this: while others fret over financial foreca...
💼 Mastering Professionalism: Top Tips for Success in Business! 🌟Whether you're a seasoned virtual assistant or a business enthusiast, these five top tips will elevate your game and leave a lasting impression on clients and colleagues alike. 💼 From mastering communication etiquette to fostering trust and reliability, we've got you covered. But wait, there's more! Join us as we debunk common misconceptions and challeng...
Redefining Roles: Navigating the Era of Virtual Teams! 💡With businesses embracing remote and hybrid setups, the lines between traditional roles are blurring. Freelancers, bots, and AI are all vying for the title of "virtual assistant," leaving us pondering: Should we rebrand ourselves for clarity's sake? 🤔🔍In this episode we look at the nuances of terminology and the evolving nature of teamwork in the digital age. ...
An article I read by an accountant got me thinking because some of the things in the article which referred to employing staff actually reinforced the value a VA can bring to your business.Shannon's insights shed light on the symbiotic relationship between businesses and virtual assistants, highlighting four compelling reasons why businesses employ people – reasons that resonate deeply with the world of virtual partnerships. Fr...
Today is my birthday. It's also my little brother Rod's birthday - yep we shared not just the date but the exact time! So today, on our birthday, we pay tribute to my beloved brother, Rod, who left us too soon but left an everlasting impact on our lives. We honour Rod's memory as a cherished brother, devoted son, loving husband, doting uncle, dedicated soldier, and true friend. Rod taught us invaluable lessons in living...
Onsite Staff vs. Australian Virtual Assistants 💸There are hidden expenses behind onsite staff - partnering with a professional Australian Virtual Assistant can revolutionise your business finances. Beyond the annual salary and standard on-costs like super and worker's comp, do you truly understand the full extent of what your staff are costing you? 💰 Join us as we delve into the nitty-gritty of employee expenses and explore t...
💡Tips for valuing your services!Are you valuing your time and expertise? 💰 When a potential client requests a piece of a project as a prerequisite for a quote, it's essential to tread carefully. While it's tempting to showcase your skills and win their favour, be wary of inadvertently giving away valuable work for free. 🛑 Undervaluing your services not only diminishes your worth but also sets a precedent that can be diff...
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